Minneapolis gets its hair tested

Last week Rochester had it’s hair tested, and today it was Minneapolis’ turn! More than 30 people came to Haven Salon to test their bodies for mercury, a potent neurotoxin that can put developing fetuses at risk of developmental disorders and learning disabilities. At least 1 in 12 and as many as one in six American women of childbearing age has mercury levels in her blood high enough to put her baby at risk.

In March 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed an upgrade to the Clean Air Act that would limit Americans’ exposure to mercury and other toxins that are linked to cancer, mutations, neurological damage and other serious health problems.

Citizens across the nation are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to enact a strong Air Toxics safeguard to protect public health will save lives, prevent disease and avoid hospitalizations, while creating new jobs installing air pollution control equipment.

“We need to address the dangers coming from coal plants now, and the EPA needs to protect us from pollution” said Jessica Tatro, Sierra Club Field Organizer.